Getting a Dubai Golden Visa through property

Buying a home in Dubai does not give you residency by itself, but a purchase above a set value can qualify you for the 10-year Golden Visa. Many investors buy with this in mind, so it helps to know how it works before you choose a property.

The value threshold

The property route has been tied to a purchase value of AED 2 million. You can reach that figure with one property or, in some cases, with more than one. The value that counts is the one recorded by the Dubai Land Department, not the asking price in an advert.

Ready or off-plan

Ready homes with a title deed are the simple case. Off-plan purchases and mortgaged properties have been treated differently over the years, for example with conditions on how much you have paid or a letter from the bank. Do not assume your project or loan qualifies. Ask your agent to confirm it in writing, against the current rules, before you book.

What you will need

• Your title deed, or the registration papers for an off-plan unit
• A valid passport and your current visa or entry stamp
• Medical tests, Emirates ID and insurance, as with any residence visa
• Proof of the property value from the Land Department

Points people miss

The visa depends on you keeping the qualifying property. If you sell it, check what that does to your visa before you list. Family members can usually be sponsored under it, but the process and the cost are separate for each person.

Visa rules change, so confirm the current position with the official Dubai channels or a licensed agent before you buy.